Billings Elder Financial Abuse Attorneys

Elder Financial Abuse in Montana

When most people think of nursing home abuse, they tend to think of physical or even verbal abuse. But financial abuse and fraud are real threats to the nation’s elderly. If you believe your loved one was the victim of nursing home financial abuse in Billings or anywhere throughout Montana, contact Edwards & Culver. Our dedicated and experienced attorneys can help you take legal action on behalf of your loved one and seek the fair compensation you are owed.

On This Page

• What Is Elder Financial Abuse?
• Warning Signs of Financial Abuse
• Compensation in Elderly Financial Abuse Cases

Call us at (406) 215-4735 or contact us online today to request a free and confidential consultation.

What Is Elder Financial Abuse?

Elder financial abuse and fraud occur when a trusted individual, such as a caregiver or professional nursing home staff member, uses or misappropriates the elderly individual’s finances illegally or without authorization. Typically, this is done for the purpose of personal gain—at the expense of the victim.

Some examples of elder financial abuse and fraud include:

• Identity theft
• Email phishing
• Pyramid schemes
• Forging checks and/or signatures
• Cashing checks without permission
• Telemarketing and internet scams

Note that this list is not exhaustive; there are many forms of elder financial abuse and fraud. If you suspect your loved one might be a victim, file a report with the proper authorities right away. Then, contact a Billings elder financial abuse lawyer at our firm to discuss your potential legal options.

Warning Signs of Financial Abuse

Those who carry out acts of financial abuse or fraud against seniors seek to take advantage of some of our population’s most vulnerable individuals. In many cases, seniors are unaware that they are victims of fraud, or they may be incapacitated and unable to act in their own best interests. For this reason, it’s very important that their loved ones are able to recognize the signs of financial abuse and fraud.

Some of the common warning signs of elder financial abuse include:

• Unusual ATM withdrawals or cashed checks
• Large withdrawals from bank accounts
• Activity in previously unused accounts
• Purchases that don’t make sense for your loved one’s situation
• Unexpected changes to a will, trust, or power of attorney
• Missing funds and/or items of value
• Unpaid bills or missed payments
• Forged signatures
• Monetary “gifts” given to unknown individuals

Look for changes in your elderly loved one’s mood or behavior, as well, as these can be signs that something is amiss. If your loved one seems more agitated, stressed, or unwilling to discuss financial matters, it could be a warning sign of financial abuse.

Compensation in Elderly Financial Abuse Cases

In addition to any criminal proceedings that may occur in the wake of financial exploitation or abuse, you may be able to seek restitution through a civil lawsuit. Financial abuse can completely drain a senior’s savings, making it more difficult to obtain critical care as they age.

At Edwards & Culver, we can help you understand what compensation may be available if your loved one was the victim of nursing home financial abuse. These are typically very complex cases with many intricate nuances; it is important that you work with a legal professional in order to fully understand your rights and options.

We are prepared to put over 100 years of combined experience on your side. There are no fees unless we recover compensation for you and we offer free initial consultations for all prospective clients.

Submit an online contact form or call us at (406) 215-4735 today.